Tauriq Hassen|Published
He may only be five, but little Ziggy Smith is already giving his famous days something to smile about. The Llandudno Primary School learner has returned from the holidays with two podium finishes, a place in the surfing record books and a prod father cheering him from the water.
And while Jordy Smith once held the record as the South African Junior Championships at seven, his son has reportedly beaten him to it by two years. Ziggy also took on older children at the championship in Jeffreys Bay, proving that being the smallest surfer in the competition was no obstacle to making the podium.
According to his family, Ziggy secured third place in the Under-10 division at the national championships, competing against children several years older than himself.
But his achievements went beyond the podium.
Following in his father's footsteps
Ziggy's appearance at the national championships reportedly made him the youngest surfer ever to compete at the event, breaking the previous record of seven years old, held by his father, South African professional surfer Jordan Michael “Jordy” Smith.
For the Smith family, it was a special moment - a father who made his mark in the sport now watching his five-year-old son begin carving out his own place in the waves.
At the championships, Ziggy faced big waves and a challenging environment. His family said the young surfer approached the conditions with determination, showing courage and giving the competition everything he had.
It was a remarkable test for a pupil still in his early childhood, taking on waves and opponents well beyond what many might expect at his age.
His second-place finish at Victoria Bay was another highlight. In the Super Groms final, Ziggy competed against Koa King, with both young surfers receiving support from their fathers in the water. Jordy Smith accompanied his son as a water caddie, while Thomas King supported Koa.
A little surfer with a big future
Among the photographs from Ziggy's holiday are moments that tell the story better than any result sheet: the five-year-old balancing on his board as he rides a wave, proudly displaying his medal and certificate, and smiling beside the trophy celebrating his national championship achievement.
There was another reason to celebrate, too. Ziggy was invited to join Cape Town Surfriders as its youngest member.
For a young pupil who has already shown such enthusiasm and bravery in the water, the invitation offers an exciting opportunity to continue learning, developing, and enjoying the sport.
Bravery beyond the classroom
Back at Llandudno Primary School, Ziggy's achievements have a special connection to the school's Term 4 focus value: Bravery.
The school encourages its pupils to embrace challenges, give their best and approach unfamiliar situations with courage - whether in the classroom, on the sports field or out in the ocean.
Principal Alexander Molteno said the school was delighted by Ziggy's achievements and the example he had set.
“We are so proud of Ziggy. To take on those waves at just five years old and give his best is a lovely example of the bravery we are encouraging at Llandudno Primary this term. His results are wonderful, and we hope he keeps finding joy in the sport as he grows,” said Molteno.